Alderman Bennett Lawson - 44th Ward Chicago

Alderman Bennett Lawson
44th Ward
Seal of Chicago

Articles under Coronavirus Updates

Chicago COVID-19 News for You: March 21, 2020

Dear Chicago Residents and Partners,
The State’s order for Illinois residents to stay home will take effect today, March 21 at 5 p.m., and will remain in place until the Governor’s Disaster Proclamation expires on April 7, 2020. This critical intervention to reduce the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is intended to keep the public safe, contain the spread of the virus, and provide relief to the healthcare system. Moving right now to maximize social distancing and restrict people gathering is the best way to fight the virus and save lives.
 
To ensure the protection of all residents during this unprecedented public health challenge, the State’s order requires all residents to stay at home. This means that you will no longer be able to engage in public or private group activities, participate in social activities at bars or nightclubs, or take unnecessary trips. The order also closes non-essential businesses from any activity except minimum basic operations, which includes activities to preserve inventory, process payroll, or facilitate working from home.
With the order in place, you can still fulfill all of your essential needs, including traveling to obtain necessary supplies like food, pet supplies, medicine, or take-out food, as well as attending medical or mental health appointments. The order does not interfere with the operation of essential businesses. Hospitals, banks, grocery stores, utility companies, and home-based care services for seniors and people with disabilities will remain open to ensure all residents, including the most vulnerable populations, will have continued access to care and essential services.
 
We know that a lot of questions still remain. You can find answers to the most frequently asked questions on this stay-at-home order at chicago.gov/coronavirus. The website also offers many resources for residents and families in need of food, housing or health care, as well as employment and financial support resources for workers and small business owners.
 
In our city, we protect each other and look out for everyone’s health. So lay low, Chicago. Together, we will get through this.
What’s New
  • As part of an effort to ensure the health and safety of Chicago’s residents and City employees, and to prevent the further spread of the COVID-19 virus, City Hall is closed to the general public, effective Friday, March 20 and until an announcement to resume normal operations is made. Employees with proper identification are still permitted to access their respective floors in the building.
  • The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued citywide guidance around social distancing requirements, which are now in place for its own services. Effective this week, CDPH has suspended in-person services where possible, and is getting creative by using technology to better serve clients during this time. A full list of service updates can be found at chicago.gov/health.
  • All parks in the City of Chicago are closed effective March 20 at 5 p.m. Beginning Monday, March 23, the District will cancel enhanced programming currently offered at 18 park field houses. The Chicago Park District will continue to provide critical operations including garbage pick-up and security.
  • All Chicago Public Library (CPL) branches will close to the public effective March 21 at noon. Book drops will be locked at all locations during this period. CPL had already stopped charging overdue fines, and effective today library card holders with suspensions on their accounts because of over $30 of fees from items marked as “lost” will be able to check out online materials at chipublib.org once again. During this time, materials will automatically renew and accounts will not be blocked.
  • The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services (DFSS) continues to work closely with community partners to serve Chicago’s most vulnerable residents. All DFSS administered Senior Centers at non-Park District locations will remain open for one more week to provide pick-up meals, closing by March 27.
Latest Guidance
Additional Resources:
Tips For Keeping Chicago Healthy
  • Stay home as much as possible. 
  • Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting. 
  • Check with your doctor about telehealth options.
In the News

Lakeview Chamber of Commerce: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update March 20, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

March 20, 2020

What We’re Working On:
We’ve been focused on promoting local businesses and relaying your requests to our partners. We’ve had multiple conversations with local, state, and federal officials to gather the latest information for our community, which you’ll find contained in this email. Keep in mind: we’re here to help you. If you’d like our office’s guidance and support navigating challenges you’re facing, please reach out to us at (773) 472-7171 or info@lakeviewchamber.com. In other news, we’re rolling out two new rebate programs aimed at supporting local businesses with Special Service Area (SSA) 27 funding: a Digital Marketing Rebate Program and a Health & Sanitation Rebate Program. And we’ve announced a second Coronavirus Business Roundtable call Tuesday at 1 PM. We’ve included more information below.Going forward, we’ll plan to send out these emails as soon as there are enough updates to warrant it. In the meantime, we’ll continue posting the latest information on our COVID-19 Business Resource page at www.lakeviewchamber.com/COVID19, so check back frequently for updates.Save the Date:
Weekly Coronavirus Business Roundtable Call
Tuesday, March 24 at 1:00 PM
Register HereIn This Update:

Federal and City Loans Now Available for Lakeview Small Businesses Impacted by COVID-19

Small Business Administration (SBA) Economic Injury Disaster Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration has approved the state’s eligibility for disaster assistance loans for small businesses facing financial hardship in all Illinois counties due to COVID-19. Eligible businesses can apply for up to $2 million in low-interest loans at https://disasterloan.sba.gov. More information:

  • SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loans offer up to $2 million in assistance per small business and can provide vital economic support to small businesses to help overcome the temporary loss of revenue they are experiencing.
  • These loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills that can’t be paid because of the disaster’s impact. The interest rate is 3.75% for small businesses without credit available elsewhere; businesses with credit available elsewhere are not eligible. The interest rate for non-profits is 2.75%.
  • SBA offers loans with long-term repayments in order to keep payments affordable, up to a maximum of 30 years. Terms are determined on a case-by-case basis, based upon each borrower’s ability to repay.

Learn More

City of Chicago Small Business Resiliency Fund
Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot announced a new $100 million economic relief package to support Chicago’s small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Funds will be provided to eligible businesses as low-interest loans that can be repaid over a term of up to five years.

To be eligible, businesses must meet the following requirements:

  • Suffered more than 25% revenue decrease due to COVID-19
  • Employ fewer than 50 employees and have gross revenues of less than $3 million in 2019
  • Provide a City business address or City business license
  • No pre-existing tax liens or legal judgments

Learn More

 

SSA 27 Announces Rebates to Assist Lakeview Businesses During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Special Service Area (SSA) 27 is rolling out two rebate programs to assist Lakeview businesses and support the local economy during and in the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak. Communities have been confronted with the need to quickly adapt to the current environment, and these measures are meant to support this transitionary period so that local businesses can continue to promote themselves while providing a clean and safe environment for customers and employees, which will help sustain economic activity across Lakeview.

  • The Digital Marketing Rebate Program supports local businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak by providing rebates to businesses who invest in a digital marketing and social media strategy through working with a digital marketing or social media consultant, purchasing online ads (e.g., Google ads), or use of social media boosting. Applicants that meet all Program requirements may receive a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs, not to exceed a total of $400 per project.
  • The Health Sanitation Rebate Program is an extension of SSA 27’s Security Rebate Program and supports local businesses impacted by high sanitation materials costs due to COVID-19, reinforcing a safe and clean environment by providing rebates to businesses with an increased need for personal and commercial sanitation, cleaning, and sterilization products. Applicants that meet all Program requirements may receive a rebate of up to 50% of eligible costs, not to exceed a total of $200 per project.

More information about both of these programs is available on our COVID-19 Business Resource page, www.lakeviewchamber.com/covid19. For an application, email ssa27@lakeviewchamber.com.

 

Other Relief Available to Lakeview Businesses

Officials have announced the following measures intended to provide relief to small businesses experiencing hardship during this challenging time. Be sure to review the links below for additional information and to make sure you’re in compliance.

  • State Sales Tax Deferral for Bars and Restaurants: To help alleviate some of the unprecedented challenges facing bars and restaurants due to COVID-19, Gov. Pritzker has directed the Department of Revenue to defer sales tax payments for more than 24,000 small- and medium-sized bars and restaurants in the State of Illinois. Under the directive, eating and drinking establishments that incurred less than $75,000 in sales tax liabilities last year will not be charged penalties or interest on payments due in March, April or May made late. Be sure to read this official bulletin (PDF) from the Illinois Department of Revenue to ensure compliance. (For bars and restaurants that exceed this annual tax threshold, The Hospitality Business Association of Chicago is soliciting signatures on this letter, asking Gov. Pritzker to expand the relief to accommodate more businesses.)
  • Federal Income Tax Deferral: The U.S. Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued guidance allowing all individual and other non-corporate tax filers to defer up to $1 million of federal income tax (including self-employment tax) payments due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest.  The guidance also allows corporate taxpayers a similar deferment of up to $10 million of federal income tax payments that would be due on April 15, 2020, until July 15, 2020, without penalties or interest. This morning, the Federal Government also announced an extension of the filing deadline; however, more details were pending as of this email.
  • Temporary Suspension of City Debt Collection: The City of Chicago will be temporarily suspending debt collection practices and non-safety related citations and impounds, as well as penalties for late payment. Additionally, there will be no new interest accumulated on current compliance plans. These measures take effect immediately through April 30, 2020.
  • Deferral of City Business Fines and Tax Payment Extensions: Building on the the temporary suspension of debt collection, the City of Chicago’s new economic relief package will temporarily defer all business fine collections as well as license renewal and late fees for Chicago’s businesses until April 30, 2020. To further provide relief for businesses over the coming weeks, the City is also extending due dates for tax payments until April 30, 2020 for the following City taxes:
    • Bottled Water tax
    • Checkout Bag tax
    • Amusement tax
    • Hotel Accommodation tax
    • Restaurant tax
    • Parking tax

If you experience any issues with taxes, fees, bank loans, rent, or other payments due during this challenging time, please email us at info@lakeviewchamber.com. We’re doing our best to help our businesses navigate concerns related to the impact caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. We’ll do everything we can to help you solve any issues your business is facing.

 

Updates from Washington: Awaiting Debate on the Phase Three Coronavirus Stimulus Package

We’re watching closely as Congress begins debate on the next phase of stimulus packages aimed at shoring up the economy and helping small businesses. We expect this process to move very quickly, so be sure to share any feedback with us on the kinds of support you’d like to see offered and we’ll relay your feedback to our elected officials. In the meantime, here’s an update on the latest from Washington, courtesy of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce:

On Wednesday, the Senate passed H.R. 6201, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. This bill provides, among other things, provisions to address Paid Sick Leave, Paid Family and Medical Leave, and Unemployment Insurance for workers displaced by the ongoing outbreak. Furthermore, it includes provisions to provide diagnostic testing for coronavirus, and bolsters Medicaid and nutrition programs for at risk populations. Click here to see the U.S. Chamber’s summary.

Congress’s focus will now turn to the Phase Three stimulus package. Click here to see the U.S. Chamber’s letter to Congress and the President with the business community’s recommendations.

 

Connect With Lakeview Businesses in Real Time: Share Ideas via the Lakeview Chamber’s New Business Connection Facebook Group

Join our brand new Lakeview Chamber Business Connection Facebook Group! We created this group based on recommendations from a few of our Lakeview businesses during our Coronavirus Business Roundtable earlier this week. It will allow Lakeview businesses to connect with each other, ask questions, brainstorm ideas and find opportunities to collaborate during and in the aftermath of these uncertain times. The Lakeview Chamber will moderate the group, but the main goal is for businesses to connect with each other through this Facebook Group. If you have any specific questions for the Lakeview Chamber, the best way to reach us is by emailing us at info@lakeviewchamber.com.

Peoples Gas Update: March 20, 2020

 

A message from Peoples Gas President and CEO Charles Matthews

We are committed to promoting health and safety in the communities we serve. As conditions with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) change, I want to assure you that we are prepared and taking steps to ensure customers have the energy they need. Our efforts include the following actions:

· Safety comes first – We have plans in place to ensure natural gas workers and other critical team members continue delivering the reliable service you expect while following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for safety. We are rescheduling nonemergency appointments and will reach out to our customers at a later time to reschedule.

· Shutoffs suspended – We suspended shutoffs for residential and business customers, unless unsafe conditions exist, to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. This is effective until this health crisis is behind us.

· Late payment charges waived – We understand that some of our customers will face financial hardships due to the spread of COVID-19. We are now waiving new late payment charges.

· Bill payment arrangement options and financial assistance – If customers are having difficulty paying their bill, we will work with them to arrange a payment plan or discuss financial assistance options. Customers can find additional information on our website or by calling 866-556-6001.

Safety is at the center of all we do. We remain committed to reducing the risks to our communities while providing the essential energy services our customers depend on, including responding to any emergency situations.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19. We urge customers to visit our website or call us at 866-556-6001 whenever we can assist with energy service questions.

CDPH: Chicago COVID-19 News for You

Dear Chicago Residents and Partners,
 
The City of Chicago is committed to providing leadership and help throughout the evolving COVID-19 crisis. As this situation develops, we will continue to offer resources and support to people across the city. In her primetime address on Wednesday night, Mayor Lightfoot announced several measures the City of Chicago is taking to combat the COVID-19 outbreak and support families, students and small businesses during this difficult time.
 
To help stem the further spread of the virus the City of Chicago issued a Public Health order requiring all residents with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or who are exhibiting symptoms to not leave their place of residence, go to work or any group settings.
 
Additionally, Mayor Lightfoot announced the extension of Chicago Public School (CPS) closures through April 20, 2020. Investments from partners at Citadel and Citadel Securities will be used to combat food insecurity amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The initiative includes $1 million in aid to sustain the food distribution locations at more than 500 schools to make meals available to all 355,000 CPS students. The remaining $1.5 million will go to the Greater Chicago Food Depository to support the Citywide Emergency Food Distribution Plan to serve other vulnerable Chicagoans.
 
In her primetime address to Chicagoans, Mayor Lightfoot also announced a new $100 million economic relief package to support Chicago’s small businesses that are experiencing a temporary loss of revenue as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. In partnership with the Catalyst Fund, the new Chicago Small Business Resiliency Loan Fund will provide more than $100 million in low-interest loans to severely impacted small businesses over the coming months, targeting historically under-resourced communities. The Mayor’s economic relief package also includes extended due dates for business-related tax payments until April 30, 2020.
 
Please continue to share information with your friends, neighbors and colleagues to ensure everyone is safe and receiving the help they need. You can access local, up-to-date information about COVID-19 on the CDPH website, chicago.gov/coronavirus.

What’s New

Testing: We know that you have a lot of questions about testing! Here’s what you need to know:

  • If you don’t have any symptoms, you do NOT need to be tested for COVID-19.
  • If you do NOT have a high-risk condition and your symptoms are mild, you do NOT need to be evaluated in person and do NOT need to be tested for COVID-19. There is no special medicine available for treating COVID-19 and you will receive the same advice whether or not you have a test. Most importantly – stay home away from others and help prevent COVID-19 from spreading to other people in our homes and communities.
  • If you’re at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19 – call your physician’s office and ask if you need to be evaluated in person, even if your illness is mild. They may want to monitor your health more closely or test you for COVID-19.

Discontinuing Home Isolation: If you are sick, you must stay home away from others for:

  • at least 7 days since your symptoms first appeared; and
  • at least 3 days (72 hours) with no fever (without using fever-reducing medications) and improving symptoms.

Latest Guidance

Additional Resources:

Tips For Keeping Chicago Healthy

  • Stay home as much as possible.
  • If gatherings are necessary, limit the number of people to 10.
  • Call to check on family, neighbors, and older adults instead of visiting.
  • Check with your doctor about telehealth options.

In the News

 

Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce: FREE Pickup & Delivery Signage

 

The UPS Store at will be printing the attached 24” x 36” pickup and delivery signs free of charge for all local restaurants/bars. If your business would like a sign, stop into the UPS Store at 3023 N. Clark starting today between 11am-6pm. After today, hours will be 10am-6pm. Please call (773) 281-8988 or email upsclark@gmail.com beforehand and they will have your sign waiting.

People’s Gas Commitment to Health and Safety

 

 

March 19, 2020

We are committed to promoting health and safety in the communities we serve. As conditions with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) change, I want to assure you that we are prepared and taking steps to ensure customers have the energy they need. Our efforts include the following actions:

· Safety comes first – We have plans in place to ensure natural gas workers and other critical team members continue delivering the reliable service you expect while following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for safety. We are rescheduling non-emergency appointments and will reach out to our customers at a later time to reschedule.

· Shutoffs suspended – We suspended shutoffs for residential and business customers, unless unsafe conditions exist, to ensure the safety of our customers and employees. This is effective until this health crisis is behind us.

· Late payment charges waived – We understand that some of our customers will face financial hardships due to the spread of COVID-19. We are now waiving new late payment charges.

· Bill payment arrangement options and financial assistance – If customers are having difficulty paying their bill, we will work with them to arrange a payment plan or discuss financial assistance options. Customers can find additional information on our website or by calling 866-556-6001.

Safety is at the center of all we do. We remain committed to reducing the risks to our communities while providing the essential energy services our customers depend on, including responding to any emergency situations.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation surrounding COVID-19. We urge customers to find the most up-to-date information from us on our website or call us at 866-556-6001 whenever we can assist them with their energy service questions.

Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) Offices will be Closed to the Public Until Further Notice

Dear Chicago Residents and Partners,
Effective Thursday, March 19, 2020, all Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) offices will be closed to the public until further notice. This includes the following locations:
  • BACP Administrative Offices, 121 N. LaSalle St. Room 805
  • Small Business Center, 121 N. LaSalle St. Room 800
  • Public Vehicle Licensing Center, 2350 W. Ogden Ave. 1st Floor
  • Public Vehicle Inspection Facility, 2430 W. Pershing Ave.
BACP will continue processing business licenses, where applicable, online or over the phone. Please visit www.chicagobusinessdirect.org or call 312-74-GOBIZ. Please allow for extra time as BACP staff are working hard to keep City services going under this disruption.
The renewal of public passenger chauffeur and vehicle licenses that expire before April 1, 2020 will be deferred until April 30, 2020. BACP staff will continue to work servicing public vehicle licensees during closure to the public. BACP staff will be available at bacppv@cityofchicago.org and 312-746-4300.
Public vehicle inspections scheduled at the BACP Public Vehicle Inspection Facility from March 19, 2020 to March 31, 2020 will be rescheduled. An updated inspection list will be posted on the Public Vehicles page, and BACP will notify taxicab affiliations and license managers via e-mail of updated public vehicle inspection dates.
In addition to these changes at BACP, Mayor Lightfoot today announced a temporary suspension of debt collection, ticketing and towing practices to provide relief in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This package will extend the deadline for Transportation Network Provider (TNP) and Taxi drivers to pay debt owed to the City to April 30th and eliminate debt holds on new licenses and permits. 
Furthermore, the Mayor will soon announce additional economic relief measures to relieve the burden the outbreak has placed on businesses, as well as individuals, to help stabilize the health of our local economy. 
As this situation develops we will continue updating you with the latest resources and information. Please note that, as of today, the state of Illinois has now mandated the cancellation of events of more than 50 people, and the White House is advising against gatherings of over 10 people.
To assist businesses, consumers and employees during this difficult time, BACP has created a dedicated resources page at www.chicago.gov/BACPCOVID19. Please visit that website for updated information on the available resources and steps the City is taking to support business owners.
For the latest health guidance and updates from the Chicago Department of Public Health, please visit www.chicago.gov/coronavirus.
We want you all to know that the City of Chicago is continuing to do everything that’s needed to keep all of Chicago safe, healthy and secure. 
# # #